JP4049587B2 - Push button switch - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a push button switch.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the key top (portion exposed from the casing) of a push button switch used for a cellular phone or the like has a metallic tone as a high-class design. Hereinafter, a conventional push button switch having a key top with a metallic design will be described.
[0003]
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a conventional push button switch. Referring to FIG. 15, the conventional push button switch mainly includes a plating layer 101, a resin molding portion 103, and a base rubber 104. The plating layer 101 is formed on the surface of the resin molding portion 103 that becomes the base of the push button. The resin molded portion 103 is bonded to the base rubber 104 with an adhesive layer 106. An actuator portion 105 is formed integrally with the base rubber 104. The actuator portion 105 is a portion that performs switching by pressing the dome-shaped metal plate 108.
[0004]
Note that such a push button switch is arranged on the substrate 107 and arranged so that the key top is exposed from the housing 110.
[0005]
The plating layer 101 is made of, for example, a chemical nickel plating layer, an electrolytic copper plating layer, an electrolytic nickel plating layer, or an electrolytic chromium plating layer.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, as described above, the surface of the resin molded portion 103 has been plated in order to make the key top have a metallic design. However, such a plating method has a problem that it is not possible to design freely because only the color of the metal itself can be selected as the key top design.
[0007]
Further, as a method of designing a color that cannot be realized by the metal itself, there is a method of performing colored coating on the upper surface of the plating layer 101. However, colored paints are inferior in wear resistance and are therefore easily peeled off. For this reason, when the switching operation is repeated, the colored coating is peeled off, the plating layer 101 is exposed, and color unevenness occurs.
[0008]
An object of the present invention can produce a sense of luxury by design metallic, high degree of freedom in design, and to provide a push button switch capable of preventing the occurrence of color unevenness of the key top.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
One push button switch of the present invention is a push button switch that performs a switching operation by pressing a button, and includes a base of the button, a base layer that is formed on the surface of the base and has at least a surface exhibiting a metallic color, and a lower layer. A sheet-like film that is shaped to cover the base layer along the surface of the base layer and transmits the metal color of the base layer, and a transparent layer having a design between the base layer and the film ing.
Another push button switch of the present invention is a push button switch that performs a switching operation by pressing a button, and includes a base of the button, a base layer that is formed on the surface of the base and has at least a surface exhibiting a metal color, and a lower layer. And a sheet-like film that is formed so as to cover the base layer along the surface of the base layer and transmits the metal color of the base layer, and the base layer is a printed layer that is plated-printed on the surface. .
[0010]
According to one and other push button switches of the present invention, a molded film is used, and it is made of a material that is more excellent in wear resistance than a coating film. For this reason, peeling of the film at the time of use can be prevented, and generation | occurrence | production of the color nonuniformity by exposure of a base layer can be prevented.
[0011]
Further, since the film is made of a material that transmits the metal color of the underlayer, a metallic design can be realized and a high-class feeling can be produced.
According to one push button switch of the present invention, since a transparent layer having a design is further provided between the base layer and the film, the degree of freedom in design can be increased.
According to another push button switch of the present invention, since the base layer is a printed layer having a plating-like print on the surface, a desired plating-like design can be obtained by printing, and the degree of freedom in design is increased. be able to.
[0016]
Preferably, in the push button switch of the above SL, underlayer, a metal layer.
[0017]
Thereby, the base layer which exhibits a metal color by plating or vapor deposition can be formed.
[0020]
Preferably, the push button switch further includes a protective film for preventing heat transfer from the base to the base layer, and the protective film is formed between the base and the base layer.
[0021]
Thereby, it is possible to prevent heat from being transferred from the base side to the base layer during base formation, and to prevent discoloration of the base layer.
[0022]
In the above-described push button switch, an actuator for performing a switching operation is preferably integrally formed on the base.
[0023]
Thereby, it is not necessary to provide the actuator separately from the base body, and parts can be omitted.
[0024]
In the above push button switch, the base preferably has a hollow portion.
Thereby, weight reduction can be achieved.
[0032]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0033]
Embodiment 1
Referring to FIG. 1, the push button switch mainly includes a colored film 1 a, a plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2, a resin molding portion 3, and a base rubber 4. The resin molding part 3 is made of resin and serves as a base of a push button. On the surface of the resin molded portion 3, a plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2 that exhibits a metallic color is formed as a base layer. The plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2 is made of a pure metal such as Cr (chromium), Al (aluminum), Ni (nickel), Au (gold), Cu (copper), or an alloy thereof. Further, among these metals, especially Cr and Al exhibit a silver-based metal color, so that the pattern of the colored film 1a can be made clearer than other metal materials. On the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2, a molded colored film 1 a is provided. The colored film 1 a has a desired design color and has a transparency that transmits the metal color of the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2. The colored film 1a is made of a moldable material such as resin, and is made of a polymer compound such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), urethane, or a composite thereof.
[0034]
The resin molded part 3 is affixed to the base rubber 4 via an adhesive layer 6 or the like. The adhesive layer 6 is made of, for example, a thermosetting adhesive or a UV adhesive. The base rubber 4 is made of, for example, silicon rubber, and has an actuator (projection) 5 provided integrally. The actuator 5 is a portion that performs a switching operation by pressing the dome-shaped metal plate 8 supported by the substrate 7.
[0035]
The key top of the push button switch is exposed from the housing 10, and a switching operation is performed by pressing the key top portion.
[0036]
In addition, the resin molding part 3 may have the structure by which the hollow part 3a was provided, as shown in FIG. 2, and may have a solid structure without the hollow part 3a. In addition, it is preferable to provide the hollow part 3a for weight reduction.
[0037]
Next, the manufacturing method of this Embodiment is demonstrated.
Referring to FIG. 3, first, a plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2 is formed on the back surface of a transparent colored film 1a having a desired design color by, for example, plating or vapor deposition, and a laminated film is prepared. At this time, Cr is preferably used as a material when forming the plating layer 2, and Al is preferably used when forming the vapor deposition layer 2.
[0038]
Referring to FIG. 4, the laminated films 1 a and 2 are press-molded using dies 21 and 22, thereby forming a button-like substantially curved shape. In addition, you may shape | mold to a substantially curved shape not only by said shaping | molding method but vacuum forming.
[0039]
Referring to FIG. 5, molded laminated films 1a and 2 are fitted into injection molds 23 and 24. Thereafter, resin is poured from the gate 24a of the mold 24, whereby the resin molded portion 3 is formed.
[0040]
Thereafter, after the desired portions of the laminated films 1a and 2 are cut, they are bonded to the base rubber 4 via the adhesive layer 6 as shown in FIG. As a material of the adhesive layer 6, for example, a thermosetting adhesive can be used, but a UV adhesive can also be used. Thereby, the push button switch of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is manufactured.
[0041]
In the above method, the injection molding of the resin is performed after the laminated films 1a and 2 are molded into a substantially curved shape. However, the molding of the substantially curved shape and the injection molding may be performed at the same time. The method will be described below.
[0042]
The laminated films 1a and 2 obtained in the step shown in FIG. 3 are sandwiched between molds 25 and 26 as shown in FIG. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7, resin is injected from the gate 26 a of the mold 26. The laminated films 1a and 2 are formed in a substantially curved shape by the injection pressure of the resin, and the resin molded portion 3 is formed. In this case, the resin molded portion 3 has a solid configuration without a hollow portion, but the hollow portion may be provided by subsequent processing.
[0043]
Thereafter, as described above, the resin molded portion 3 is bonded to the base rubber 4 via the adhesive layer 6 as shown in FIG.
[0044]
In the present embodiment, the surface of the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2 is covered with a colored film 1a made of a polymer compound having high wear resistance. For this reason, peeling of the colored film 1a can be prevented, and the occurrence of color unevenness due to partial exposure of the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2 can be prevented.
[0045]
Moreover, since the colored film 1a consists of the material which permeate | transmits the metal color of the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2, a metallic design can be implement | achieved and a high-class feeling can be produced.
[0046]
Moreover, since the colored film 1a can be colored, the degree of freedom in design can be increased by the coloring.
[0047]
Embodiment 2
Referring to FIG. 8, the push button switch of the present embodiment is different from the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that a protective film layer 11 is added. This protective film layer 11 is provided between the resin molding part 3 and the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2, and is made of, for example, a polymer compound such as PET, PC, urethane, or a composite thereof.
[0048]
Since the configuration other than this is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0049]
In the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, first, a laminated structure of the colored film 1a, the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2, and the protective film layer 11 is prepared. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the injection molding may be performed after the substantially curved shape is formed, or the injection molding is performed simultaneously with the substantially curved shape as shown in FIGS. Also good.
[0050]
In the present embodiment, a protective film layer 11 is provided between the resin molding portion 3 and the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2. For this reason, heat can be prevented from being transferred to the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2 at the time of injection molding for forming the resin molding portion 3, and discoloration due to heat of the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2 can be prevented. Can be prevented.
[0051]
In addition, even if a printing layer or a coating layer is provided instead of the protective film layer 11, the same effect as this embodiment can be obtained.
[0052]
Embodiment 3
Referring to FIG. 9, the push button switch according to the present embodiment has a printing layer (or coating layer) 12 and a transparent film 1b on the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2 as compared with the configuration shown in FIG. And are different in that they are formed. This print layer (or coating layer) 12 has a desired design and has a permeability that allows the metal color of the underlying plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2 to pass therethrough. The print layer (or coating layer) 12 has a desired design made of ink or paint. The transparent film 1b is colorless and has a transparency that transmits through the base. The transparent film 1b is made of a moldable material such as a resin, and is made of, for example, a polymer compound such as PET, PC, urethane, or a composite thereof.
[0053]
Since the configuration other than this is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0054]
In the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, a laminated structure of a transparent film 1b, a printing layer (or coating layer) 12, and a plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2 is first prepared. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the injection molding may be performed after the substantially curved shape is formed, or the injection molding is performed simultaneously with the substantially curved shape as shown in FIGS. Also good.
[0055]
In the present embodiment, a transparent film 1b made of a polymer compound having higher wear resistance than the coating film is provided. For this reason, peeling of the transparent film 1b can be prevented and generation | occurrence | production of the color nonuniformity by the exposure of a foundation | substrate can be prevented.
[0056]
Further, since the printing layer (or coating layer) 12 is used, the degree of freedom in design can be enhanced while reflecting the metal color of the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2.
[0057]
Moreover, since the transparent film 1b and the printing layer (or coating layer) 12 are made of a permeable material, the metallic design of the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2 can be reflected, and a high-class feeling can be produced.
[0058]
Embodiment 4
Referring to FIG. 10, the push button switch of the present embodiment is different from the configuration of the third embodiment in that a protective film layer 11 is added. This protective film layer 11 is provided between the resin molding part 3 and the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2, and is made of, for example, a polymer compound such as PET, PC, urethane, or a composite thereof.
[0059]
In addition, since it is substantially the same as Embodiment 3 mentioned above about the structure other than this, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same member and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0060]
In the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, first, a laminated structure of the transparent film 1b, the printing layer 12, the plating layer 2, and the protective film layer 11 is prepared. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the injection molding may be performed after the substantially curved shape is formed, or the injection molding is performed simultaneously with the substantially curved shape as shown in FIGS. Also good.
[0061]
In the present embodiment, since the protective film layer 11 is provided between the resin molding portion 3 and the plating layer 2, heat is transferred to the plating layer 2 during injection molding for forming the resin molding portion 3. And the discoloration of the plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) 2 due to heat can be prevented.
[0062]
In addition, even if a printing layer or a coating layer is provided instead of the protective film layer 11, the same effect as this embodiment can be obtained.
[0063]
Embodiment 5
Referring to FIG. 11, the push button switch of the present embodiment is provided with a plating-tone printed layer 12 a and a transparent film 1 b on the resin molded portion 3 as compared with the configuration of the first embodiment. It is different in point. Since the plating tone printed layer 12a has a plating tone, it exhibits a metal color. The transparent film 1b is colorless and has a transparency that allows the metal color of the plating tone printed layer 12a to pass therethrough. The transparent film 1b is made of a moldable material such as a resin, and is made of, for example, a polymer compound such as PET, PC, urethane, or a composite thereof.
[0064]
Since the configuration other than this is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0065]
In the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, first, a plated printing layer 12a is provided on the back surface of the transparent film 1b. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the injection molding may be performed after the substantially curved shape is formed, or the injection molding is performed simultaneously with the substantially curved shape as shown in FIGS. Also good.
[0066]
In the present embodiment, by providing the plating tone printed layer 12a, a metal tone design can be realized without providing a plating layer (or vapor deposition layer). Moreover, in the plating tone printed layer 12a, since various plating tone can be expressed by printing, the freedom degree of design can be raised.
[0067]
Embodiment 6
Referring to FIG. 12, the push button switch of the present embodiment is different from the configuration of the fifth embodiment in that a protective film layer 11 is added. This protective film layer 11 is provided between the resin molding part 3 and the plating printing layer 12a, and is made of, for example, a polymer compound such as PET, PC, urethane, or a composite thereof.
[0068]
In addition, since it is as substantially the same as Embodiment 5 mentioned above about the structure other than this, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same member and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0069]
In the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, a laminated structure of the transparent film 1b, the plating tone printed layer 12a, and the protective film layer 11 is first prepared. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the injection molding may be performed after the substantially curved shape is formed, or the injection molding is performed simultaneously with the substantially curved shape as shown in FIGS. Also good.
[0070]
In this Embodiment, since the protective film layer 11 is provided between the resin molding part 3 and the plating tone printing layer 12a, heat is applied to the plating tone printing layer 12a at the time of injection molding for forming the resin molding portion 3. It is possible to suppress transmission.
[0071]
In addition, even if a printing layer or a coating layer is provided instead of the protective film layer 11, the same effect as this embodiment can be obtained.
[0072]
Embodiment 7
With reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the push button switch of the present embodiment has an actuator portion 5 integrally provided in the resin molding portion 3 as compared with the configuration of the first embodiment. And the base rubber is omitted. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the dome-shaped metal plate 8 is pressed by the actuator portion 5 provided integrally with the resin molding portion 3, and the switch operation is performed.
[0073]
Since the configuration other than this is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0074]
In the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, a laminated structure of the colored film 1a and the plating layer 2 is prepared, and after the substantially curved shape shown in FIG. 3 is formed, the resin is injected in the injection molding step shown in FIG. The molding part 3 is formed integrally with the actuator part 5.
[0075]
In the present embodiment, since the actuator portion 5 is provided integrally with the resin molding portion 3, no base rubber is required, and the number of parts can be reduced.
[0076]
In the first to seventh embodiments, the button-shaped molding is performed after preparing the laminated structure of the films 1a and 1b and the plating layer 2 (or the plating-like print layer 12a), but the films 1a and 1b After forming into a button shape with a single layer, the plating layer 2 (or the plating-tone print layer 12a), the protective film layer 11, and the print layer 12 may be formed along the shapes of the films 1a and 1b.
[0077]
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
According to the push-button switch according to the present invention described above, luxury by metallic, freedom of design, and it is possible to prevent the color unevenness.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a push button switch according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view as seen from the lower side of a resin molded portion in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a method for manufacturing the push button switch in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a method for manufacturing the push button switch in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a method for manufacturing the push button switch in the first embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a diagram showing another manufacturing method of the push button switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another manufacturing method of the push button switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a push button switch according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a push button switch according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a push button switch according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a push button switch in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a push button switch according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a push button switch according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.
14 is a view as seen from the lower side of the resin molded portion of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a conventional push button switch.
[Explanation of symbols]
1a colored film, 1b transparent film, 2 plating layer (or vapor deposition layer), 3 resin molding part, 3a hollow part, 4 base rubber, 5 actuator (projection part), 6 adhesive layer, 7 substrate, 8 metal plate, 10 housing Body, 11 protective film layer, 12 printing layer, 12a plating-like printing layer, 21, 23-26 type, 24a, 26a gate.

Claims (6)

A push button switch that performs a switching operation by pressing a button,
A base (3) of the button;
An underlayer (2, 12a) formed on the surface of the substrate (3) and having at least the surface exhibiting a metal color;
A sheet-like film formed so as to cover the base layer (2, 12a) along the surface of the base layer (2, 12a) and transmitting the metal color of the base layer (2, 12a) 1a, 1b)
A pushbutton switch comprising a transparent layer (12) having a design between the underlayer (2) and the film (1b). A push button switch that performs a switching operation by pressing a button,
A base (3) of the button;
An underlayer (2, 12a) formed on the surface of the substrate (3) and having at least the surface exhibiting a metal color;
A sheet-like film formed so as to cover the base layer (2, 12a) along the surface of the base layer (2, 12a) and transmitting the metal color of the base layer (2, 12a) ( 1a, 1b)
The underlayer (12a) is a push button switch that is a printed layer having a surface that is plated.   The pushbutton switch according to claim 1, wherein the underlayer (2) is a metal layer.   A protective film (11) formed between the base (3) and the base layer (2, 12a) to prevent heat transfer from the base (3) to the base layer (2, 12a) The push button switch according to claim 1, further comprising:   The push button switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an actuator (5) for performing a switching operation is integrally formed on the base (3).   The pushbutton switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base (3) has a hollow portion (3a).

Images